Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is determined not to let reporters quiz him about the prospect of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League. But you can bet your hat that there are plans afoot already to improve the Magpies’ squad – both in quality and quantity.Behind the scenes, work is already underway to add to a squad that has been stretched with only domestic fixtures to navigate. Newcastle’s hierarchy will not know the exact size of their budget until they know which European competition – if any – they are playing in next term but there is an agreement on the size of the task ahead. Newcastle currently have a pool of around 14 to 15 players they consider first-team ready, but there are upgrades needed in every department.🚨 Newcastle United want to make Leicester midfielder James Maddison a priority this summer with the 26-year-old said to want to play in the Champions League and become a regular in the England squad. [Source: The I] pic.twitter.com/NigDAIddPk— Transfer HQ (@Transfer__HQ) March 17, 2023 As things stand, there is a broad consensus that the squad lacks the strength and depth of the so-called ‘Big Six’ they are trying to challenge on a regular basis. Newcastle are currently fifth in the table, two points below Tottenham Hotspur, having played two games fewer. But they are also just five points clear of Brentford in eighth, which is why Howe will not entertain any talk of qualifying for Europe at this stage. With Liverpool and Chelsea both likely to invest heavily again in the summer to improve their squads, along with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, Newcastle know they have much to do with their own recruitment plans.One of the things Newcastle obviously lack is players with experience of playing in Europe regularly which is something they are keen to address. Telegraph Sport has spoken to sources within the club to determine what they will look to do in the transfer window.An attacking left-backDan Burn has done very well as a centre-back converted to the position, but he does not offer any significant offensive threat which has left the team unbalanced. A disproportionate amount of their attacks come down the right where Kieran Trippier is able to support Miguel Almiron. Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney fits the mould but it remains to be seen whether they can persuade his club to sell.Another centre-backLike Burn, Fabian Schar has been excellent this season alongside new signing Sven Botman, but Newcastle will be in the market for a right-footed centre back in the summer with either Schar or club captain Jamaal Lascelles possibly departing. One of the reasons Burn was moved out to left-back was because Botman is also left-footed and Howe prefers the natural balance of one right-footed and one left-footed partnership.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Two midfield playersNewcastle have left themselves short in this area, something Howe has admitted when they let Jonjo Shelvey leave for Nottingham Forest. Howe’s side went into January looking to sign a defensive midfielder and did not get one. That means they will need two in the summer. Scott McTominay is a target to fill the defensive position but he is by no means the only name on the shortlist. A creative player like Leicester City’s James Maddison would also be very appealing. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves is admired and Newcastle have tried to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher several times. In Europe, there is a buzz of excitement about Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga, although there will be stiff competition for the 20-year-old.##NAJAVA_MECA_7120075##A powerful centre-forwardHaving allowed Chris Wood to leave for Nottingham Forest – a loan move that will become permanent at the end of the season regardless of whether Steve Cooper’s side avoid relegation or not – Newcastle need to replace him. Callum Wilson’s poor injury record also makes this need more pressing. Wilson will turn 32 next year and is not the force of old. There is huge excitement around the progress made by Alexander Isak in recent weeks – the Sweden international was man of the match in the victories over Wolves and Forest – but Newcastle need to add more weapons up front. It is thought they will look to sign a player in a similar mould to Wood, who can bring an additional aerial threat and hold up play through the middle of the pitch.A versatile wide forwardAllan Saint-Maximin has only played well in flashes this season and spent a long time on the bench. He could be sold in the summer if he starts to agitate for a move. Almiron has enjoyed the best season of his Newcastle career, but has returned to type after a goalscoring purple earlier in the season. Newcastle would like a versatile wide man as an upgrade as they look to maintain their upward trajectory next term.
